Cavs guard Darius Garland diagnosed with left big toe contusion, timetable unknown
cavs-darius-garland-big-toe-contusion-return-uncertain
The Cleveland Cavaliers reported Wednesday that All-Star guard Darius Garland is dealing with a contusion on his left big toe—the same foot that required offseason surgery.
According to the team, Garland was hurt in the second quarter of Monday’s overtime defeat to the Miami Heat when he made incidental contact with forward Nikola Jović on a drive to the rim. He exited shortly afterward and did not return.
Subsequent examinations by the Cavaliers’ medical staff confirmed the contusion. The team said Garland will receive daily treatment while continuing the post-surgery management program established over the summer.
The 25-year-old has been ruled out for Wednesday night’s rematch in Miami. Cleveland will update his status when more information becomes available.
Garland had appeared in only three games this season but was beginning to regain form following the June procedure on the same toe. Although the club emphasized that the new injury is not structurally related to the earlier issue, the recurrence remains notable.
With Garland unavailable, expanded backcourt minutes are expected for Sam Merrill, Lonzo Ball, Craig Porter Jr., and rookie Jaylon Tyson once he clears concussion protocol.
Head coach Kenny Atkinson will also be without Donovan Mitchell (rest), Evan Mobley (rest), and Tyson (concussion protocol) as the Cavaliers close their two-game stay in South Beach.
Source: Hoops Wire